Lycium Chinense Mill. Extract

                                   

	

		

		
		

			

			

				

					

						

						
English Name:Lycium Chinense Mill. Extract

						
Latin Name:Lycium barbarum L.; Fructus Lycii

						
Other Name:Go Qi Zi; Lycii; Chinese Wolfberry; Goji Berry

						
 

						
[Specification]

						
  Polysaccharides 50%  UV

						
 

						
[Appearance]

						
  Yellow Powder

						
 

						
[Description]

						
Wolfberry appear thick shrub, cultivated species normally grow high to 1.6~2.0m, diameter of single main trunk reach to 10 cm to 20 cm, hat diameter about 1.6m less or more. Wild species of wolfberry normally small arbor, height 25 cm, thorn and white stab on stem. Single leaves grow cross on short branches, fasciation, needle shape leaves, complete edge, no hair, length 2~3 cm, width 2~6 cm. Flower: fasciation, on short branches, calyces cup shape, chaplet funnel shape. Color: shallow purple or purple-red. Berry: shape oval, length 6~20 cm, diameter 5 to 10 cm, fresh red or dark red, some type appear orange or orange-yellow. Bloom from May to September, Fruit from July to October. pulp thick with glutinosity, contain wolfberry seeds 25 to 50. Seeds; flat kidney shape, length 2.5 mm, width 2 mm, soil yellow color appear.

						
Lycium is a major Chinese tonic herb, first mentioned in the Divine Husbandman's Classic (Shen'nong Bencaojing), written in the 1st century AD. Traditionally lycium is believed to promote long life -a Chinese herbalist said to have lived for 252 years ascribed his longevity to tonic herbs, including lycium. Today both the berries and the root have a wide range of medicinal uses.

						
Wolfberry is rich of wolfberry polysaccharides (amylose), Betaine, zeaxanthine, physalein, Ascorbic acid, Carotene, Riboflavin, Nicotine, Thiamine, taurine, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, and wolfberry contain 19 kinds of amino acid, and K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Se, 21 kinds of minerals. The concentration of Beta-carotene in wolfberry is even higher than carrot, effect protein concentration more than bee pollen.

						
 

						
[Parts Used]

						
Whole berries.

						
 

						
[Functions]

						
The main active component of the fruit is the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP).

						
 

						
1. Wolfberry polysaccharides as good immunity enhancer

						
 Wolfberry polysaccharides has good function to enhance immunity, researchers do experiment on about 20 case of original liver cancer, the patient arranged taste Wolfberry polysaccharides together with chemical treatment, and good for immune system benefit and prolong life. Modern medical research prove that the Wolfberry polysaccharides good for cure cancer caused by damage of body immune system, and also best for cure many kind of immune system bug.

						
Many studies have shown wolfberry fruits increase the lymphocyte transformation rate and improve the macrophage phagocytic function in animals. LBP assists spleen lymphocyte transformation induced by Concavalin A5. LBP increases the antibody reaction to T cell-dependant antigen (SRBC) which means that LBP selectively strengthen the T cell immune response 6. LBP enhances the T cell immune response by increasing the number of E receptors on the surface of T cells or increasing the numbers of T cells directly.

						
LBP also can be used to reduce lead toxicity because LBP inhibits the reduction of T cells and delayed allergy activity induced by lead.

						
 

						
2. As good tumor inhibitor(Cancer prevention)

						
Research from lab center of MDidea Group show that patients with evil tumor(malignancy) arranged taste wolfberry for a period, the lick up ability of it's macrophage increased together with T-lymphocyte transform rate increased. Wolfberry could adjust immune ability, so good and benefit for old man used as anti-tumor remedy. During it's functional period, wolfberry not kill tumor cells directly, but to increase the immunoreactions of normal cell, such as activate macrophage, T-lymphocyte, B-Cells or prompt live up of antibody, or activate antibody, from this way, wolfberry could inhibit and decrease tumor, and no any harm to normal cells.

						
Other studies from China show the acetone extract from wolfberry fruit inhibits the gene mutation induced by TA98 and TA1008. Some scientists believe that wolfberry fruit may be a very good supplement to prevent liver cancer because it exerts liver protection and anticancer effects at the same time.

						
Another study from China showed LBP increased the sensitivity to radiation therapy and enhanced the immune system for cancer patients.

						
Chinese researchers reported wolfberry fruits could inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

						
 

						
3. As good old man remedy:

						
Old man taste wolfberry could feel better and increase inside hormone, oxygen in plasma, and no any bad effects. Wolfberry extracts could make old man good sleep, good taste, good body health, less cold, less night emiction. Also, clinical research show that wolfberry could decrease cholesterol and increase phospholipids level. Wolfberry food also affect structures of protein and character of cell wall decisively, also wolfberry taste could control cell divide and polarization, adjust growth and caducity of human cells.

						
The effective content Betaine from wolfberry is also best for treat heart disease and cure illness related with old age, together with hypochondria.

						
 

						
4. As good kidney remedy:

						
Wolfberry contains much useful nutrition, including Wolfberry polysaccharides, zeaxanthin, physalein, Ascorbic acid, Carotene, Riboflavin, Vitamin C, etc. All these substances are good natural antioxidant, and best function as anti-inflammation, anti-infection, and so many good natural antioxidant make wolfberry the best body energy remedy. Taste fitful amount of wolfberry or wolfberry extracts could be good for: increase blood flow, increase blood vessel elasticity, decrease thrombus and blood aggregation, this could be good for heart, liver, kidney and other organs of human body, also increase sexual ability.

						
 

						
5. Anti-age:

						
Lycium fruit functions to maintain normal cell growth as well as improve DNA restoration and repair. It also has the function of anti-peroxidation of free radicals, therefore changing the electrical parameters of cell membranes to the normal range. In one study in China, a 48% increase of Super Oxide Dismutase and a 12% increase of hemoglobin were found in serum for all senior participants. A 65% decrease of LPO in serum was found in the same study. This indicates Lycium fruit may be a potent anti-oxidant, which may slow the aging process.

						
 

						
6. Liver protection

						
One study in China discovered that the hepaprotective component (zeaxanthin dipalmitate) from wolfberry helps counteract carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

						
Another study from China found LBP exerts hepaprotection through inhibiting the lipid peroxidation of liver cells in aging mice. LBP helps to repair liver cell injury induced by CCl4 and facilitates recovery from hepatic necrosis.

						
 

						
7. Hemopoiesis Promoter

						
A study in China showed Lycium facilitated stem cell proliferation and increased the number of monocytes in bone marrow. Lycium helps the monocytes to convert to matured leukocytes.

						
 

						
8. Vision improvement

						
Lycium fruits were very popular for their vision improvement properties in ancient China. Modern scientists found Lycium fruits reduce dark adapting time and improve vision under subdued light. Physiologic scotoma decreased and vitamin A increased in patients after taking Lycium fruits.

						
 

						
[Contraindications]

						
  Wolfberry contains betaine, which is an emmenagogue and abortifacient. Avoid using when pregnant or nursing. Chinese herbalists suggest to abstain using it during times of cold and flu.